MARKETING & SUSTAINABILITY
How Does Sustainability Relate to the Marketing Curriculum?
The Purpose of the "Courses" Page
The "Courses" page is meant to show you connections between sustainability and core courses in a particular business major. In some cases, these connections may not yet be a part of the course. We are working on that! If you are a student, you can ask for these connections to be a part of the course. If you are a faculty member, you can integrate them in as you see fit.
Course descriptions are adapted from the Penn State University Bulletin. This is not a comprehensive list of courses in the major. Learn more about this major at Penn State Smeal Undergraduate Education.
MKTG 301: Principles of Marketing
Introduces key marketing concepts, terminology, and analytical tools used in business decision-making. Emphasizes market segmentation, targeting, and positioning, and explores how marketing strategies are influenced by domestic and international environments. Provides a practical understanding of how marketing integrates with other business functions through real-world examples and the application of marketing principles to product development, pricing, promotion, and distribution
Sustainable marketing questions to consider:
- How can marketing support the company’s sustainability strategy?
- How does marketing and communications help companies effectively communicate their sustainability-oriented products and services?Â
MKTG 330: Consumer Behavior
Applies behavioral science concepts to understand buyer behavior as a foundation for marketing management decision-making.
Sustainable marketing questions to consider:
- How does analyzing consumer behavior and demand trends towards sustainability affect the marketing efforts of the company?
- How can consumer behavior inform the design of “take back” programs and other circular economy type initiatives that rely on customers returning products?
MKTG 342: Marketing Research
Emphasizes research approaches, methods, and applications as formal tools for solving marketing decision problems.
Sustainable marketing questions to consider:
- What new types of market research is needed to understand consumers’ attitudes and behaviors related to sustainability-focused products and services?
- In what ways might traditional marketing research exclude diverse voices and perspectives? And how could such research be made more inclusive?
MKTG 450W: Marketing Strategy
Addresses a firm’s market-oriented problems, opportunity identification, competitive strategy formulation, and marketing policies and programs.
Sustainable marketing questions to consider:
- How can the marketing function support the company’s identification and selection of market opportunities for new sustainability-focused products and services?
- How can sustainability play a key role in formulating a competitive marketing strategy for the company?
MKTG 442 : Sustainable Behavior of Consumers, Firms & Societies
Explores marketing strategies that influence sustainable behaviors in firms, consumers, and society. Covers consumer psychology, sustainability communication challenges, and the application of marketing frameworks through real-world examples.
Sustainable marketing questions to consider:
- How does sustainable marketing differ from traditional forms of marketing?
- What are the major market segments of “sustainable consumers”? What does this reveal about their different wants and needs?
- What are the unique communications challenges and opportunities that come along with sustainability?
- What is greenwashing, social impact washing, etc. and how can it be avoided?
Explore More Sustainability-Focused Courses
Curious about how sustainability fits into your academic journey? Browse additional courses and programs at Smeal and Penn State that highlight sustainability in business, society, and the environment.
